Gerardo Martino, after the end of Mexico’s FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign, revealed that he will no longer coach the national team. The 60-year-old made the announcement in a press conference post his side defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1. 

With the win in their final Group C game, Mexico tied with Poland – who lost against Argentina – on points. However, Robert Lewandowski and co made it to the knockouts because of superior goal difference. 

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Martino, in the press conference, said that with the final whistle of the game, his role as Mexico’s coach was over. 

“I am responsible for the disappointment we have today. We accept the failure we had in this World Cup. My contract ended when the referee blew the final whistle and there is nothing else I can do,” he said. 

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“Since I got [to the Federation], I have worked with complete freedom and no interference from anyone. For that, I thank the President and the Sport Directors,” he added. 

Martino has coached  Paraguay, Spanish club Barcelona and American outfit Atlanta United FC in the past. He took up the coaching job in Mexico in 2019. Under his guidance, the team lost the Gold Cup and Nations League. They also failed to qualify for the U-20 World Cup and 2024 Olympics. This is the first time since 1978 that Mexico have failed to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage. 

Also read: Mexico players, fans heartbroken after first FIFA World Cup group stage exit in 44 years: Watch

Ricardo Gareca, Guillermo Almada and Miguel Herrera are seen as Martino’s potential successors. 

Martino is popularly known as Tata. According to LiveSoccer.Tv, Tata is actually the Xhosa word for “father” which he got during his playing days. However, some reports claim that he got the nickname because of his positive relationship with young players.